| Located
in the Bay of Bengal, the Union Territory of Andaman and
Nicobar Islands is an archipelago of over 300 islands, a majority of which are
uninhabited. The islands are surrounded by coral reefs, sandy beaches and clear
water. The islands were used by the British in the 19th century, mainly for imprisoning
Indian freedom fighters in the 'cellular jail'. The
climate in the Andaman and Nicobar is tropical. The native people of these islands
are of Negroid and Monogloid stocks. The main tribes are Onge, Andamanese, Shompen,
Nicobarese and Jarawa. The number of tribals is fast dwindling. |
| Cellular
Jail This three-storeyed prison, constructed
by the British in 1906, is a
pilgrim destination for freedom fighters. This colossal edifice has mutely witnessed
the most treacherous of inhumane atrocities borne by the convicts, who were mostly
freedom fighters. Now dedicated to the nation as a National Memorial, it houses
a spectacular sound and light show, besides a museum and art gallery.
Andaman
Water Sports Complex This unique complex,
the first of its kind in India, has all possible aqua sports facilities including
safe water sports like paddle boats, row boats and water cycle, and adventure
water sports like wind surfing, wind skiing, water scooter. There is also a memorial
for the Battle of Aberdeen, fought between the Britishers and the Andamanese aboriginals
in 1859.
Gandhi
Park Laid in record time in the heart of Port
Blair, it is an enticing park comprising of a children's park, amusement park,
deer park, water sports facilities, Japanese temple, nature walk and a restaurant.
Corbyn's Cove
Complex One of the most picturesque beaches,
it is ideal for sun-bathing. It has a tourist complex which offers a range of
water sports facilities. Anthropological
Museum Built in 1975, this small but informative
museum showcases the four Negroid tribes of the Andamans, viz, the Jarawas, Sentinelese,
Andamanese and the Onges, and two Mongoloid tribes of the Nicobars, viz, the Nicobarese
and the Shompens. Fisheries
Museum With its display of about 350 species
of sea-life, rare varieties of coral, the museum reflects the enormous marine
life and wealth submerged in the waters of these islands. Ross
Island Once the seat of British power and
capital of these islands, it now stands as an imposing relic, with the old structure
almost in debris. A small museum displays photographs and other antiques of the
Britishers, relevant to these islands. M.G.
Marine National Park The Mahatma Gandhi Marine
National Park at Wandoor, is at a distance of 29 km from Port Blair, covering
an area of 281.5 sq km. This marine park made up of open sea, creeks and 15 islands,
is one of the largest of its kind, in the world. Coral reefs, a plethora of exotic
coral fish and other marine life abound in this area. The Directorate of Tourism,
and other private tour operators operate conducted tours to the park.
Cinque Island
A superb place for swimming, scuba diving, snorkelling,
fishing and camping. Havelock
Island About 38 km from Port Blair, this
island boasts of virgin beaches, and an unpolluted environment. |
Port Blair
Director (Tourism), Andaman & Nicobar Admn., Port Blair -
741101 Tel : (03192) 30933, 20747 Fax : (0091-03192) 30933 | New
Dehli Resident Commissioner, Andaman & Nicobar Admn.,
Andaman & Nicobar Bhavan, Plot No. 12, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi - 110021
Tel : (011) 6882116, 6871443 Fax : (011) 3782642 | Calcutta
Dy. Resident Commissioner, Andaman & Nicobar Admn., 3-A, Auckland
Place, Calcutta - 700017 Tel / Fax : (033) 2475084 | Chennai
Dy. Resident Commissioner, Andaman & Nicobar Admn., C.P.W.D.Campus,
K.K.Nagar, Chennai - 600078 Tel / Fax : (044) 4844715 |
Chennai
Andaman House, North Main Road Ext., Anna Nagar West Ext., Padi
Village, Chennai - 600101 Tel : (044) 6259295 | |
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